All you need to know before renting a student accommodation in Toulouse
Between its red-brick streets, riverside terraces and lively cafés, Toulouse really lives up to its nickname: the “Pink City”. It’s also one of France’s favourite places to study, welcoming a large and growing student community every year. Choosing the right student accommodation in Toulouse will shape your daily life here — from your commute to your evenings with friends. Here’s what you need to know before finding your new home in this warm, welcoming city.
The top universities and student campuses in the Toulouse area
Toulouse is one of the leading university centres in southwest France, offering a wide choice of programmes in science, engineering, business, humanities and the arts. Whether you’re into research, aviation or creative studies, you’ll find a campus that fits your path. Here are some of the main institutions students look for:
- Université Toulouse 1 Capitole : law, economics and political science, close to the city centre
- Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès : humanities, languages and social sciences, located on the Mirail campus
- Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier : science, technology and health, based on the Rangueil campus
- Toulouse School of Economics and Toulouse School of Management
- Toulouse Business School (TBS) in the Compans-Caffarelli district
- INSA Toulouse, ENAC and several aviation and engineering schools
- Specialised schools across the Toulouse metropolis in health, arts, communication, engineering and IT
With its high quality of life, strong job opportunities and vibrant student atmosphere, Toulouse regularly ranks among France’s best student cities, which naturally increases demand for student housing in Toulouse.
The best neighbourhoods to live in Toulouse when you are a student
The best neighbourhood for you will depend on your campus, your lifestyle and your budget. Here’s a snapshot of Toulouse’s key student areas for student housing in Toulouse.
| Neighbourhood | Advantages | Universities Nearby | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitole & Hyper-centre | Very central, lively squares, shops and nightlife | Université Toulouse 1 Capitole, city-centre schools | Metro A (Capitole, Esquirol), many buses |
| Saint-Cyprien & Patte d’Oie | Trendy, local markets, bars by the Garonne river | Easy access to city-centre campuses and hospitals | Metro A, Tram T1/T2, buses |
| Compans-Caffarelli | Business district, parks, close to the centre | Toulouse Business School (TBS), management schools | Metro B (Compans-Caffarelli), buses |
| Rangueil & Paul Sabatier | Large campus area, student atmosphere, good value | Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, engineering schools | Metro B (Faculté de Pharmacie, Rangueil), buses |
| Saint-Michel & Empalot | Close to the centre, more affordable, near the river | Access to Capitole, Paul Sabatier and city-centre campuses | Metro B (Saint-Michel, Empalot), buses |
| Mirail & surroundings | Student-oriented, close to large campuses | Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès | Metro A (Mirail – Université), buses |
What type of accommodation should I look for as a student in Toulouse?
Students looking for student accommodation in Toulouse usually choose among the following options:
- Studios: Almost half of students hope to live in a studio or one-room flat. It’s ideal if you want your own space with a private kitchen and bathroom, and a quiet environment to study.
- 1-bedroom apartments (T2): A good choice if you’re moving in as a couple or simply want a separate bedroom. These are less common and generally more expensive, but offer more comfort.
- Student residences: Private or public student residences usually offer furnished studios or small apartments, often with services such as laundry, common rooms, gyms or study areas. A good option if you want something practical and “ready to live in”.
- Flatshare / house share: Around a quarter of students look for a shared student apartment in Toulouse. It allows you to live in a larger, better equipped place for a lower price, and makes it easier to build a social circle quickly.
- Private rooms in host families: A smaller number of students choose a room in a private home. This option suits you if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and a more local or family-style experience.
- Short-stay rentals: Perfect if you are coming to Toulouse for a semester, an internship or an exchange programme. These flexible rentals let you stay for a few weeks or months without committing to a long-term lease.
Budget guide: how much does student accommodation in Toulouse really cost?
Before choosing your student housing in Toulouse, it helps to know what it will really cost. Here are the main expenses to plan for during your student year.
What is the average rental price in Toulouse for a student accommodation?
A student in Toulouse should plan on average around €530–€550 per month for rent. This is slightly lower than the provincial average and significantly more affordable than Paris, while still higher than smaller cities in the region.
How much does student accommodation cost in Toulouse?
Rental prices for student housing in Toulouse depend on the neighbourhood, the size of the accommodation and whether it is furnished.*
- Room in a shared flat: around €400–€450 / month
- Studio in Toulouse: around €550–€600 / month
- 1-bedroom apartment (T2): around €650–€700 / month
- Accommodation in a private student residence: prices often comparable to a T2 in the private rental market, but with services included
*Rental prices in Toulouse vary depending on the neighbourhood, the size of the accommodation and the amenities included, furnished options, renovated spaces, private bathrooms, residence services, and more.
Are the utilities included in the rent price?
It depends on the landlord or residence. In many listings, utilities include water, building maintenance and sometimes heating. Electricity and internet are often billed separately.
Always check the “utilities included” section in the Studapart listing to avoid surprises and compare offers fairly.
When you rent in a student residence, the offer is usually more “move-in ready”. The accommodation is furnished, many utilities are already included, and services like laundry, study rooms or common areas are often available. It’s a comfortable option if you’re moving to Toulouse for the first time.
Documents: what do you need to rent student housing in Toulouse?
When renting student accommodation in Toulouse, landlords usually ask for a few standard documents. This helps them confirm your identity, your student status and your financial stability.
The list may feel long, but it’s very common in France, and once prepared, you can use the same documents for all your applications.
Required documents for student accommodation in Toulouse
Here are the documents most landlords typically request:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| ID or Passport | Proof of identity required for all rentals (ID for French students, passport for international students) |
| Proof of enrolment | A certificate or admission letter from your university or school in Toulouse |
| Proof of income or financial support | Payslips, scholarship certificates or financial statements to reassure the landlord about rent payments |
| Guarantor documents | Proof of identity, payslips and tax documents from your guarantor, a very common requirement in France |
| Bank identity statement | A French RIB or international IBAN, depending on the landlord’s preference |
| Visa (for non-EU students) | A valid student visa or residence permit (“carte de séjour”) is required to sign a rental contract in France |
This list includes the documents most often requested, but requirements can vary slightly from one accommodation to another. Each Studapart listing clearly indicates what is needed so you can prepare your application without stress.
Do I need a visa to rent student accommodation in Toulouse?
Yes, if you are a non-EU student, you need a valid visa or residence permit to rent accommodation in France.
We strongly recommend choosing a booking option that includes cancellation insurance. If your visa is delayed or refused, you can cancel your booking without losing your payment.
What is a guarantor, and do I really need one?
A guarantor is someone who promises to cover your rent if you are unable to pay it yourself. In Toulouse—just like in most major student cities—it’s a very common request, and most landlords will expect you to provide one.
Many students rely on a parent or close family member. Others use state support schemes, and an increasing number turn to trusted digital solutions to make their rental file stronger and easier to understand for landlords.
If you don’t have a guarantor in France, some solutions like the Studapart Guaranteed Profile can help by acting as a guarantor during your stay. This reassures landlords, boosts your application and makes renting a home in Toulouse much simpler.
Housing insurance: mandatory for all rentals in France
In France, housing insurance (“assurance habitation”) is required by law for all tenants, including students. You must provide proof of insurance before moving into your accommodation, as it protects both you and the landlord in case of damage.
To make your arrival easier, Studapart gives you the option to purchase your housing insurance directly during the booking process. It’s fast, recognised by landlords, and avoids last-minute issues when you arrive in Toulouse.
Studapart helps you find the perfect student housing in Toulouse
Searching for student accommodation in Toulouse can feel like a big step! Especially if you are moving to a new city or country. Studapart is here to make things easier. With verified listings, secure booking and dedicated support, you can find a home you feel confident about, even if you’re still abroad.
Our platform was built for students on the move. Whether you are relocating from another region in France or arriving from overseas, Studapart helps you understand how renting works, compare options comfortably, and secure a place that truly fits your needs.
Why Studapart is especially helpful for international students
When you arrive in a new country, navigating the rental system can feel complicated. That’s why Studapart was designed to simplify each step for students moving to Toulouse:
- Verified listings so you avoid scams and book with confidence
- Secure online booking to reserve your accommodation before landing in France
- Multilingual support available to guide you through every step
- Clear, transparent requirements so you always know what documents to prepare
- A trusted network of partner universities that rely on Studapart to support their students.
No matter where you're moving from, Studapart helps you arrive in Toulouse feeling prepared, reassured and supported.
Visit your future accommodation remotely
If you are searching from abroad, you can still explore your options with complete confidence. Many Studapart listings offer:
- 360° virtual tours
- Video visits and remote viewings
These tools help you understand the space, compare different accommodations and make a choice you feel good about, all without needing to be in Toulouse yet.
Studapart gives you extra support to help you secure your accommodation
Not everyone has a guarantor in France, and that’s completely normal. Many French and international students face this challenge when renting their first home. Solutions like the Studapart Guarantee were created to remove this barrier. By acting as your guarantor, they help you present a complete and reassuring application to landlords, so you can access housing more easily.
If your guarantor lives abroad, the Studapart Certification helps you validate their documents in a simple and secure way. This makes it easier for landlords to understand and trust your file, which is often one of the biggest obstacles for students arriving from another country.
Our goal is simple: make the rental process fairer and more accessible for students who are starting fresh in a new city like Toulouse.
How to book your student accommodation in Toulouse with Studapart
Booking your student accommodation in Toulouse with Studapart is simple and fully online, perfect if you are planning everything from abroad:
- Create your account and complete your rental profile so landlords can get to know you.
- Browse verified listings in Toulouse that match your needs, budget and preferred neighbourhoods.
- Upload your documents directly on the platform to apply.
- Secure your booking online once your application is accepted.
- Get ready for your arrival in Toulouse, knowing your accommodation is booked and waiting for you.